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SAHARA LAKE
Lake Information
County: Saline
Acreage: 101
Recreational Amenities
Boat Fishing? 10hp
Boat Ramps? Yes
Boat Rental? No
Skiing? No
Swimming? No
Picnicking? Yes
Camping? Yes
There are no zebra mussels in this lake.
Fish Stocking | |||
Year |
Species |
Size |
Count |
2021 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
5040 |
2022 |
Channel Catfish |
Advanced Fingerling 4 - 7" |
5011 |
Additional information for stocking on Sahara Lake
Fishing Outlook ( Full PDF Report )
Click here for a list of all reports.
Species |
Rank |
Fish Status |
Very Good | Bluegill range in size from 4 to just under 8 inches in length. The majority of bluegill sampled were between 6.5 and 7.5 inches. A 15 fish per day creel limit applies for bluegill and redear sunfish at Sahara Woods. Bluegill and redear fishing is expected to be good to excellent. | |
Very Good | Fishing for channel catfish at Sahara Lake should be good to excellent. Fish collected in recent samples measured up to 18 inches in total length. A six fish per day creel limit applies for channel catfish. | |
Good | Black and white crappie are present in Sahara Lake and fishing as reported from anglers has been good. Anglers should target crappie around structure using minnows and jigs. A 15 fish per day creel limit applies to crappie at Sahara Woods. | |
Very Good | Survey data suggests a quality bass fishery exists in Sahara Lake. Bass sampled ranged in size from 8” to 22” in length. A large number of bass measured between 15 – 18 inches. An 18" length limit, one bass per day regulation is in place at Sahara Woods. Good to excellent catches of bass should be expected at Sahara Lake. | |
Location: Sahara Woods is located 5 miles west of Harrisburg, Illinois; south of State Route 13.
Description: The site is made up of vacated strip mine land and encompasses approximately 4000 acres. Sahara Lake and numerous strip cuts make up approximately 270 acres of fishable water. In July of 2011, the site was opened for the first time to public fishing. Currently only two boat ramps are located at Sahara Woods: one on Sahara Lake and one on a 15-acre strip cut located to the east of Sahara Lake.
Sahara Lake has a 10 horsepower or less motor restriction and all other strip cuts are electric motor only. Sahara Lake is approximately 98 acres with a handicap accessible boat ramp, parking lot and restroom.
Anglers are allowed to use "carry in" boats, such as canoes, kayaks and small jon boats on all strip pits currently open to bank fishing. Users should use extreme caution as this site is extremely rugged and shoreline areas drop off very quickly. Anglers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with site boundaries and remain on open roads and parking lots while fishing at Sahara Woods.
History and Status of the Sport Fishery: Sportfish in the lake include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redear and channel catfish. Sahara Woods offers an excellent opportunity for the adventuresome angler to fish waters that have had very limited public fishing pressure, and the angler should expect to be rewarded with a quality fishing experience.
Additional Lake Information: Sahara Lake has a 10 horsepower or less motor restriction and all other strip cuts are electric motor only. Anglers are allowed to use "carry in" boats such as canoes, kayaks and small boats on all strip pits currently open to bank fishing.
Contact Information: IDNR Fisheries Biologist, Kurt Daine618-949-3432
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